Project Title:

Metal Thin-Film Optical Polarizers For Space Applications

08.24-2727
Project Title:Metal Thin-Film Optical Polarizers For Space Applications
Company:Polatomic, Inc.
Dallas, TX 75248
Principal Investigator:Slocum, Robert E.

Abstract:

We propose to fabricate a broadband polarizer for visible and near-infrared radiation
using a new technique recently developed by the principal investigator for producing
evaporatively deposited metal thin films which polarize normal incidence light over
a wide acceptance angle.  Narrow band polarizers using silver have been demonstrated
in the near infrared to have contrast ratio k1/k2 in excess of 3000 and excellent
stability in military and space environments.  These polarizers are compact sheed
polarizers and replace plastic dichroic sheets.

The objective of the proposed effort is use of thin-film techniques to develop visible
and near-infrared polarizers which are compact and can be used in a space environment.
 An investigation of film materials, deposition techniques, and substrate materials
will be conducted to achieve polarizing in the spectral band 400 nm to 1100 nm. 
The structure of these polarizing thin metal films will be examined and compared
with wire grid polarizer theory and the theory of electromagnetic scattering off
metal dipoles.  The effort will include investigation of techniques for improving
coating durability, transmission, extinction and peaking performance at 570 nm to
achieve contrast ratio k2/k1 of 105.